By Mbah Godlove
Civilians in Bamenda continue to bear the brunt of the worsening Anglophone conflict, as reports of deaths under brutal and inhumane circumstances mount by the day. Among the hardest hit are commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as bikers, who risk their lives daily in a desperate effort to provide for their families amid persistent insecurity.
In recent weeks, several bikers have reportedly been killed by stray bullets during exchanges of gunfire in different parts of the city. The situation reached a tragic peak days ago at Small Mankon, where a young bike rider lost his life following intense shooting believed to have occurred between armed separatist fighters and Cameroonian security forces.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was going about his daily routine, trying to earn money to buy food for his family, when he was struck by a stray bullet. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but later succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked community.
This latest killing adds to a disturbing wave of civilian casualties recorded in Bamenda in recent times, heightening fear among residents and especially among bike riders who remain exposed due to the nature of their work. Many now operate under constant anxiety, unsure if they will return home alive at the end of the day.
Human rights advocates and civil society actors have strongly condemned the continued loss of civilian lives. They are calling on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and to take concrete measures to prevent hostilities from spilling into residential areas. Advocates insist that civilians, who are not party to the conflict, must be protected in line with international humanitarian principles.
As tension remains high, residents of Bamenda continue to appeal for peace, accountability, and urgent action to safeguard innocent lives caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows no immediate signs of easing.
